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A-2 Occupancy Group

G

globe trekker

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Oct 19, 2009
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I am reviewing a set of plans for a nationally known restaurant chain.

The RDP has submitted an OL for the dining areas of 1,531 sq. ft / 15 sq.

ft. per person ( "unconcentrated tables & chairs", as per Table 1004.1.1

in the `06 IBC ). This OL equals 102.067 persons. In reviewing the

plans, I counted the actual chairs & booth seating and came up with

an OL of 136 / 137. This includes multiple seating for ADA

requirements.

What am I missing? Is this normal?

Thanks for any input!

.
 
You can condition it to 102 people.

Remember, tables that seat four, often have only two seating there
 
If you counted the seats and came up with 135, then that is the o/l

Let them prove different

Is there any code difference which ever figure you use?????
 
Thanks ya'll for your input!

cda,

Not really any code differences. They plan to fully sprinkle the whole building

anyway. I am trying to be as accurate with my plan review & subsequent

comments as I can.

.
 
Just wondering about any code differences

Once again, I would go with the seat count and let them dispute it
 
Agree with cda. While, as mark mentioned, there might only be two to a booth at times, at lunchtime, on the other hand, they could be fully loaded, with 30 people waiting in line.
 
globe,

I think it may be common to count a five foot wide booth (60" div by 24" = 2.5 butts x 2 x the total booths), but the RDP may call it a 4 person booth?

Its worth checking to see if thats where the difference is in the OL counts.

over 100, sprinkler required as noted if on the 2006IBC

pc1
 
I would encourage the number of seats. They could also look at a combined load of number of seats for the fixed furniture and 15 square feet for the other areas. At 130-160 people, it should not make a difference for exiting since two exits are required and they would easily handle the load. There might be a slight impact for toilet counts and number of accessible locations.
 
Agree with others, no difference for protection or egress and with Cda, CD an BB regarding counting methods and aisles. I run into this lots with RDP's and Restaurants/Bars/Lounges/Night Club.
 
cda said:
Just wondering about any code differencesOnce again, I would go with the seat count and let them dispute it
Click to expand...
The code allows for a certain number of people per sq. ft.

It is not how many chairs can you squeeze on the plan

It is how many diners can get out in a reasonable time

But the BO or FO can allow a larger number, if they feel it safe.

You can ask for an additional exit, for the increase above code allowed numbers

You can restrict it, or let it go.
 
You can only count the seats if they are fixed. Such as the booth seats @ 24" per person. The booth area would not be included in the net floor area if they are fixed booths/table. If not then the Table gives you the allowable load per net floor area and there are three to choose from. Depending on the arrangement you could be using all three. ex; bar (movable seats), dining (table and chairs) and standing room only (foyer).
 
Examiner said:
You can only count the seats if they are fixed. Such as the booth seats @ 24" per person. The booth area would not be included in the net floor area if they are fixed booths/table. If not then the Table gives you the allowable load per net floor area and there are three to choose from. Depending on the arrangement you could be using all three. ex; bar (movable seats), dining (table and chairs) and standing room only (foyer).
Click to expand...
My thoughts also.

I check all first then based on the larger number that they have proper exits and restrooms. Sprinkler after they hit 100.
 
What Examiner said. Booth seating o/l + floor area of unfixed tables/chairs o/l + standing room o/l = OL.

2006 IBC:

1004.2 Increased occupant load.

The occupant load permitted in any building, or portion thereof, is permitted to be increased from that number established for the occupancies in Table 1004.1.1, provided that all other requirements of the code are also met based on such modified number and the occupant load does not exceed one occupant per 7 square feet (0.65 m2) of occupiable floor space. Where required by the building official, an approved aisle, seating or fixed equipment diagram substantiating any increase in occupant load shall be submitted. Where required by the building official, such diagram shall be posted.

1004.3 Posting of occupant load.

Every room or space that is an assembly occupancy shall have the occupant load of the room or space posted in a conspicuous place, near the main exit or exit access doorway from the room or space. Posted signs shall be of an approved legible permanent design and shall be maintained by the owner or authorized agent.
 
To all:

Thank you all for your input!

Time for an update on my OP.

I plan to challenge their "calculated OL" and question the actual number

of non-fixed chairs / tables & booths that are shown on the plans. This

restaurant DOES have 2 other exits shown, in addition to the minimum

2. In a preliminary review of their plumbing fixture count, for the Men's

& Women's Restroom, it appears as though they may need to add 1

additional water closet to each. Also, in performing the plans review,

it seems that the RDP's did not include the "planned outdoor seating

& tables", so there is an additional OL right there. This planned outdoor

seating also would be included in the minimum required plumbing fixture

count, in agreement with Table 403.1, Note " d ", in the 2006 IPC

"The occupant load for seasonal outdoor seating and

entertainment areas shall be included when determining the

minimum number of facilities required."

They DO have egress paths / aisles clearly indicated on the plans.

Since they plan to fully sprinkle the entire restaurant, fire protection

won't be an issue. The additional water closets for the OL will be

though!

Also, the booths indicated are all 48" wide! 48" / 24" = 2 Occ.

.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Increased OL permitted, but must still meet ALL other Code req's - including fixture counts, and that does include the outdoos seating as well.
 
Be aware that if they provide additional exits the egress calcs would only be based on the minimum exits required by the Code. ex: if two separate exits are required and they provide 4 separate exits all exits/egress width would be sized on the required two. This is what Code Congress told me a few years ago.
 
"Also, in performing the plans review,

it seems that the RDP's did not include the "planned outdoor seating

& tables", so there is an additional OL right there."

Make sure they do not have to "egress" back into the building......seen some places with liquor that try to do that.....
 
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